We are gathered here today in memory of my mom, BERNADETTE VIRAY. My mom passed away last Wednesday, March 7th. It’s hard to say goodbye! We wish we had more time and perhaps that during the time we had, we had spent more of it together. We wish that she had not lost her life to illness, that things could have been different for her and for us. Her life had many obstacles and she struggled with her illness for more than 2 years, but everything my mom went through, she managed to keep her priorities straight and she remained her focus. While we know that she is at peace now and that her struggles are at end, there is pain and sadness. Even though she’s gone, the way she touched our hearts will remain and I ask to keep her memories alive by sharing them with me and one another.
*** I’m gonna miss my mom so much. She has done so many things for me. I’m gonna miss her every morning when we always talk in the kitchen while I’m getting ready for work. I’m gonna miss her OCD when it comes to cleaning the house, she’s such a clean freak. She cleans every corner of my house. She always makes sure our house is dust and clutter free. I’m gonna miss her cooking. She cooks for us and she makes sure we always have food for work and kid’s food are ready when they get home from school. I’m gonna miss when I get home, all our clothes are washed and folded. She wants to do as much as she can at home so I don’t have to do it as she always thinks I’m tired from work and she just wants me to rest. My mom loves gardening. She took great pride in her flowers and plants. She’s very patient, hardworking and caring for them as she is for me and my family** Without my mom, I’m not a PT. She’s the one who encouraged me to take this profession. She sent me and my sister to good college universities in the Phils. by herself as I lost my dad early and mom was on her own.***
I’ve learned a lot from my mom. She’s a business minded person and she taught me how to invest and to do business in Real Estate and jewelries. ***
And last of all, she taught me how to be closer to God. I have a book that she gave me 14 years ago on my bday and it’s always been in my drawer in my bedroom. The title of the book is “The Purpose Driven Life”. I never had a chance to read it yet. Before she left for the Phils. last Dec., she took it out from my drawer and put it on my bedside table. There’s a message that she wrote on the book and it says, “Dearest Reshelle, it’s my prayer that as you read this book you will know God’s purpose in your life. God richly bless you not only on your bday but all the days of your life. Love mommy.”***
Mommy, I know you’re in better place now where there’s no pain and no sickness. I know you can’t wait to be with daddy. It’s time to say goodbye mommy. I love you and I’m gonna miss you so much! God bless you!